Wall Street opened slightly higher on Tuesday although the Nasdaq turned negative, as earnings worries offset investors' hopes for swift action on a U.S. plan to bolster the economy.
Merck (MRK.N) was a standout after it handily beat estimates and left its 2009 profit view unchanged at a time when companies are either cutting or not issuing forecasts due to uncertainty about the year ahead. Merck rose 3.4 percent at $29.40 to lead Dow components.
Washington will be in focus with votes on amendments being offered on U.S. President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package expected to start.
The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 10.35 points, or 0.13 percent, at 7,947.18. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was up 0.94 points, or 0.11 percent, at 826.38. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was down 4.68 points, or 0.31 percent, at 1,489.75.
